Harold's Story.
Harold Biffen was born in Reigate, Surrey in June 1921 to parents Walter and Helen. He trained as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner and completed his training with 1651 CU in September 1943 when he joined 199 Squadron flying Stirling bombers from RAF Lakenheath. They were undertaking mining operations over the English Channel until February 1944 when they were carrying out supply missions in support of the Special Operations Executive in Europe. In May 1944 they transferred to 100 (Radio Countermeasures) Group and were based at RAF North Creake flying Stirlings fitted with Mandrel Radar jamming equipment. Harold flew on a mission on 5th June 1944 in support of the D Day landings when 16 aircraft from 199 Squadron flew in patterns off the French coast jamming the German radar.Harold completed his tour of 30 missions with 199 Squadron in late 1944 and transferred to 1 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit based at Dumfries as an instructor. He was killed on 8th January 1945 when the Avro Anson EF935 that he was flying in crashed into high ground at Corney Fell in the Lake District whilst on a night navigation training mission. The peak was obscured by clouds at the time.
199 Squadron Stirling
199 Squadron Stirling with antennas for Mandrel equipment
199 Squadron Operation Record showing Harold's mission on D Day. Note extra crew member for operation of jamming equipment
ECM Scheme for D Day
Avro Anson
Crash location of EF935